The possessive form for names that end in “S” is contradictory. It seems like there are different styles depending on the rules of writing you choose to use. This article will look at the possessive form of “Dennis” and how to use it correctly.
Dennis’ Or Dennis’s: Which Is The Correct Possessive Form?
Both “Dennis'” and “Dennis’s” are correct possessive forms of the name “Dennis.” “Dennis'” is correct, according to the Associated Press Stylebook. This style is most commonly used in education. “Dennis’s” is correct according to the Microsoft and Chicago Manuals of Style.
While “Dennis'” and the AP Stylebook are the most common ones taught in schools, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the most popular choice for writing. We have some statistics that will likely surprise you to prove the opposite.
According to Google Ngram Viewer, “Dennis’s” is the most popular spelling choice. Even though “Dennis'” is more commonly taught in schools, most writers opt for the double “S” ending in the possessive form once outside of education.
When To Use Dennis’
“Dennis'” is correct according to the Associated Press Stylebook, which is the most commonly used style in schools. In this style, names that end with “S” do not require the “S” after the apostrophe when written in the possessive form.
We drop the “S” because it helps with streamlining our writing. Sometimes, the extra “S” can be difficult for people to pronounce, which is why it’s omitted.
- Dennis’s mother
- Dennis’ mother
As you can see, the first example is a little bit of a mouthful. However, dropping the “S” helps us to read the possessive form without any difficulties!
Examples of Dennis’
- We should be with Dennis’ mother in this trying time.
- Dennis’ medal was lost in the hubbub, and I feel so bad about it.
- We should watch Dennis’ new play!
- You could be Dennis’ doppelganger! You’re so similar!
- Why shouldn’t she be Dennis’ girlfriend? She’s an angel!
“Dennis'” is the possessive form according to AP Style rules. We place an object after “Dennis'” to show what it is he possesses in the sentence, as “Dennis” is the subject we’re referring to.
When To Use Dennis’s
“Dennis’s” is the most popular choice, and it might help you to read this section to understand why.
“Dennis’s” is correct according to the Microsoft Manual of Style and the Chicago Manual of Style. In these styles, all possessive names should include the “‘s” ending, even if those names end with the letter “S” already.
People prefer writing “Dennis’s” because it’s more obvious when they present the possessive form. Simply including an apostrophe can sometimes be easy to look over when reading.
- Dennis’ bike
- Dennis’s bike
As you can see, the extra “S” helps to identify the “bike” as “Dennis’s,” while without it, it’s harder to notice the apostrophe in any way.
Examples of Dennis’s
- That’s Dennis’s bike, and I’m sure he’d appreciate it if you didn’t lose it.
- Where can we find Dennis’s walkie-talkie?
- We should be at Dennis’s place on the hour; otherwise, he’s going to snap!
- You should be Dennis’s friend because he’s a very generous guy.
- I need Dennis’s money before he gets here to collect it.
“Dennis’s” works in the same way as “Dennis’,” where the object that directly follows the name is what “Dennis” owns in the sentence.
Is There A Preference For Using Dennis’ Or Dennis’s In US vs. UK?
According to Google Ngram Viewer, “Dennis’s” is the most popular choice in American English. They follow the rules of the Microsoft and Chicago Manuals of Style, as expected.
According to Google Ngram Viewer, “Dennis’s” is also the most popular choice in British English. There is much less overlap in this graph than there was historically in the American English graph.
Clearly, both American and British English value the double “S” ending for possessive names ending with “S.” They value this more because it’s easier for readers to differentiate when it’s written on a page.
Final Thoughts
“Dennis’s” is the correct and most popular possessive form choice for the name “Dennis.” While “Dennis'” is still correct, it’s not the common choice, and many native speakers prefer to write with “Dennis’s,” where the double “S” ending helps readers to identify the possessive form.
You may also like: Nicholas’ Or Nicholas’s? Here’s The Possessive Form (Helpful Examples)
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
